Comedian Luke Mockridge has sparked public outrage with derogatory comments about Paralympic athletes. His remarks have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Eurovision Song Contest star Guildo Horn.
Mockridge’s offensive comments
During an episode of the podcast “Die Deutschen” (The Germans), Luke Mockridge made disparaging remarks about Paralympic athletes, causing a social media storm. Among his comments was the statement: “There are people without legs and arms who are thrown into a pool – and whoever drowns last has won.” These remarks led to immediate backlash, with TV channel Sat.1 cancelling a planned show featuring the entertainer. Several athletes and celebrities also condemned his statements.
ESC star’s rare public criticism
In an unusual move, Eurovision Song Contest star Guildo Horn took to Facebook to express his disappointment. Horn, who rarely makes public criticisms, wrote: “Hardly any major sporting event in recent years has captivated me as much as the Paralympic Games currently taking place in Paris.” He expressed his disbelief at Mockridge’s comments circulating on social media.
Horn didn’t mince words in his critique: “Normally, I don’t react publicly to such things. But I’m so stunned that it simply has to come out: My question is: Is this the result when you too often pretend to a child that they are something special: particularly entertaining, particularly funny, particularly mischievously charming… what do I know?! Luke, you are none of these things! You’re just a poor sausage!” He concluded by sending greetings to the athletes in Paris, advising them to take Mockridge’s words as “stupid chatter.”
Public figures respond
Horn isn’t the only public figure to speak out against Mockridge. TV dog trainer Martin Rütter posted a video on Instagram saying, “I find it really shameful and distressing that something like this still happens at all.” He suggested that Mockridge should reflect on his words and meet the people he mocked before commenting further.
In response to the backlash, Luke Mockridge issued a public apology on Saturday. “Of course, it was never my intention to ridicule people with disabilities – especially during these great Paralympic Games,” he wrote, apologizing to all those he had offended.
